Lane unexpectedly received news of his lost sisters death, and has to reunite with his lost love to find out what happened.
Chapter 1 Bad News
Lane was a simple man. He grew up in the backwoods of Oklahoma on his parents ranch. Never having been outside the state, he was now faced with the issue of his sister’s passing. His parents (unable to travel) need him to fly out to New York City to claim her body.
Nervous about the coming trip, Lane sat in his father’s old recliner gazing out the big window in his family room. February snow lightly covered the pastures, already turning green. Patches of cattle were seeking warmth from the crisp cold air. They began to huddle under trees together hiding from the cold wind. This was the only life Lane knew. Early mornings for chores, and late nights working in the fields. He was always working and running the family ranch. His father had an accident in the fields about 6 months before, leaving him unable to walk very well and not able to help Lane in the way he needed. Winter time left finances short and Lane was unable to hire anyone to help him. When he really needed the help his cousin Jason would come to help.
A loud knock on the front door abruptly brought Lane from his thoughts. “Hey Cuz!” Jason bellowed as Lane opened the door. Jason was about the same size as Lane, six foot tall and built like a tank. Jason had black hair compared to Lane's brown hair. Lane's father and Jason's mother were siblings, very close their whole lives and lived only a mile apart. The two being so close brought Jason and Lane to be more like brothers than cousins.
Lane grabbed Jason's suitcase and said, “It’s about time! You were supposed to be here an hour ago, it’s a good thing my flight isn’t until 8pm.”
“Sorry, Mama needed some things before I left.” Jason explained closing the door behind him.
Lane set Jason’s suitcase down and grabbed his own bag and headed to the front door. “I have to get going. You do remember what to do, right?”
“Of course I do! It's only been six months since I had to come help when Uncle Bill had his accident.” Jason stated, sounding offended that Lane would even ask.
Jason and his mother stayed with Mama and me when father was in the hospital. Father had been thrown from his horse and broke his leg. Ol’ Bill hasn’t been able to walk very well since.
A loud crash rang out from the kitchen startling the men. Jason and Lane hurried toward the ruckus to see what was going on. Broken dishes and food covered the floor and a small distraught Katherine kneeling and cleaning the mess, in tears.
“Mama, are you alright!?” exclaimed Lane as they entered the room.
“I’m fine, just lost my grip.” Katherine said, clearing her throat and wiping her tears. “Boy, come here and give your auntie a hug!” She stood and reached for Jason as he stepped forward.
“Aunt Kat, you shouldn’t be on the floor, let me help you with this mess. Lane, I got this. Go on and get outta here.” Jason waved Lane toward the door as he bent to help Katherine with the mess.